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From OpenMaterials
OpenMaterials is a collaborative research project dedicated to open investigation and experimentation with DIY production methods and uses of materials. In the spirit of the open source software and hardware movements, we hope to promote materials to be researched and developed in a public, collaborative manner. We see materials as an open resource, and wish to establish an open process for exploring and sharing knowledge, techniques and applications related to materials science. Inspired by Eric Raymond's comment in 'The Cathedral and the Bazaar', regarding the bazaar style which he described as "a great babbling bazaar of differing agendas and approaches", we hope to encourage discourse and experimentation with the broadest range of materials and processes possible.
This wiki will be a repository of all the data we collect during our DIY research and experiments, and our attempt at creating a useful resource for all those who wish to work with or just learn more about materials. We will strive to provide accurate descriptions of the different types of materials, as well as information on uses, techniques and hacks, where to get them, who's using them, who's improving them, and so on so forth.
We'd also love for you to be involved if you are working in these areas.
Contents |
Materials
Electrotextiles
Clearmesh
Conductive Aluminum Laminated Fabric
Electrolycra
Electronylon Copper
Electronylon Nickel
Knitted Superlight Conductive Fabric
Knitted Conductive Tape
Knitted Coated Copper Tape
Knitted Conductive Fabric
Doubleface Knitted Conductive Fabric
Softmesh
Steelcloth
Stretch Conductive Fabric
Velostat
Zelt
Electroluminescent
EL wire
EL Wire How To Connect
Glue
Pressure Sensitive
Quantum Tunnelling Composite (QTC) | Resistive Foam | Velostat
Heat Reactive
Expancel | Heat Shrink | Thermochromic Pigments
Solar Active
Photochromic Pigments | UV Beads
Magnetic
Magnetic Varnish
Paper
Corrugated Cardboard | Paper/Cardboard Composites
Polymers
ABS | Polylactic Acid (PLA) | Polymorph
Shape Memory
Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) | Shape Memory Polymer (SMP)
Tools
3D Printers: CandyFab | Fab@Home | MakerBot | RepRap
Hand-held Tools: Glue Gun | Needle-nose Pliers
Laser Cutters
Sewing Machines
Techniques & Examples
Making a glove that lights up when you shake hands
Wiring EL wire
Connecting Hardware & Softwear on Soft(er) Circuits
Soft Circuits Resources
Books w/ Tutorials
Fashion Geek by Diana Eng
Fashionable Technology by Sabine Seymour
Fashioning Technology by Syuzi Pakhchya
Open Softwear by Tony Olsson, David Gaetano, Jonas Odhner, Samson Wiklund
Switch Craft by Alison Lewis
Websites w/ Tutorials
Sternlab :: Becky Stern's projects
Fashioning Technology
How to Get What You Want :: KOBAKANT DIY sensors, materials, and beyond
Plusea
Soft Circuits Saturdays :: Angela Sheehan's blog
Other Interesting Websites
3lectromode :: Wearable Electronics
Talk2MyShirt :: Wearable Electronics
Tutorials
Lynne Bruning's Techniques :: Instructables
Software
Arahne :: CAD/CAM systems for weaving
Starter Kit (materials & tools)
conductive thread
iron-on (thermoadhesive) conductive tape/fabric
knitted conductive tape (can replace the iron-on, but requires a lot more sewing)
non-stretch conductive fabric*
stretch conductive fabric*
assorted LEDs
1.5V and 3V coin cell batteries
non-conductive fabric
non-conductive thread
metal snaps
iron
needle-nose pliers
* Most soft circuits stores sell conductive fabric sample kits, you can just try one of those instead of buying a larger quantity of the stretch and non-strech conductive fabrics.
Materials Assessment
Conductive Thread Comparison by Fashioning Technology
Conductive Thread Comparison by Kobakant
Suppliers Europe
Middlesex University Teaching Resources (MUTR) :: conductive fabrics & thread
Plug & Wear :: EL fabrics, EL wire, conductive fabrics, textile perforated boards
Solar Active :: color changing materials (lace, thread, fabric, beads, etc.)
Supermagnete :: magnets, lots of magnets
Suppliers USA
Less EMF :: conductive fabrics, tape, etc.
Digital Fabrication Resources
100kGarages :: A community of workshops all over the world that are run by "Fabbers."
CandyFab :: The revolution will be caramelized.
CloudFab :: A world of fabrication, at your disposal.
Fab@Home :: Machines that can use multiple materials to fabricate complete, active systems.
i.materialise :: 3D printing your creations.
MakerBot Industries :: Robots that make things.
Ponoko :: The world's easiest making system.
RepRap :: Wealth without money.
Thingiverse :: Digital Designs for Physical Objects.
Suppliers
Europe
Creatif :: arts & crafts supplies
Creative Discount :: arts & crafts supplies
Flexmet :: shape memory and superelastic wires & products
Middlesex University Teaching Resources (MUTR) :: smart materials, structural materials, science resources
Plug & Wear :: EL fabrics, EL wire, inverters
Solar Active :: color changing materials (lace, thread, fabric, beads, etc.)
Supermagnete :: magnets, lots of magnets
USA
Electronic Goldmine :: electronics (great LEDs)
Cool Light :: EL wire
Less EMF :: conductive fabrics, tape, etc.
Scientifics Online :: engines and gears, magnets, robotics, solar energy, and a lot more
Sparkfun :: electronics (very cool stuff)
